If you’re an NRI returning to India and thinking about bringing gold along, understanding customs duty regulations can help you avoid surprises at the airport.
India’s customs department has specific rules on how much gold you can bring, the duties involved, and exemptions allowed. Gold is seen as a valuable asset, and bringing it across borders has always been strictly regulated to control imports and balance the country’s economy.
This guide covers everything you need to know about customs duty on gold when returning to India—from allowable limits to duty rates and tips to ensure smooth customs clearance.
In this article...
1. Duty-Free Allowance for Bringing Gold to India

Indian customs offers a duty-free allowance on gold for passengers, including NRIs, under certain conditions.
If you’ve lived abroad for over a year, you are allowed to bring up to 20 grams of gold (worth up to ₹50,000 for men and ₹1,00,000 for women) without incurring any customs duty.

This limit applies to gold jewelry only and does not include gold bars or coins. Anything above this allowance is subject to customs duty, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.
💡Tip: Stick to gold jewelry under the duty-free allowance to avoid additional charges. Share on XDuty-Free Allowance Summary:
- Men: Up to 20 grams of gold jewelry worth ₹50,000.
- Women: Up to 20 grams of gold jewelry worth ₹1,00,000.
- Conditions: Applicable only if you’ve lived abroad for at least one year.
According to General Exemption No.162 of Indian Customs Rule,
In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 25 of the Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962) and in supersession of the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) No. 171/94-Customs, dated the 30th September, 1994, published in the Gazette of India, vide number G.S.R. 733 (E), dated the 30th September, 1994, the Central Government, being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do, hereby exempts goods of the description specified in column (2) of the Table below and falling under Chapter 71 of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (51 of 1975), when imported into India by an eligible passenger, from so much of the duty of customs leviable thereon which is specified in the said First Schedule, as is in excess of the amount calculated at the rate as specified in the corresponding entry in column (3) of the said Table and from the whole of the additional duty leviable thereon under section 3 of the said Customs Tariff Act.
1. Gold bars, other than tola bars, bearing manufacturer’s or refiner’s engraved serial number and weight expressed in metric units, and gold coins. – Rs. 300 per 10 gms.
2. Gold in any form other than at S.No.1 above, including tola bars and ornaments, but excluding ornaments, studded with stones or pearls. – Rs.750 per 10 gms.
The exemption is subject to the following conditions, namely:-
(i) the duty shall be paid in convertible foreign currency;
(ii) the quantity of gold imported in any form shall not exceed ten kilograms per eligible passenger; and
(iii) the gold is either carried by the eligible passenger at the time of his arrival in India or is imported by him within fifteen days of his arrival in India.
2. Customs Duty Rates on Gold Exceeding the Allowance
For any gold above the duty-free allowance, customs duty applies. As of the current regulations, the duty on gold is around 10.75% of the gold’s assessed value.

This rate includes a 10% basic customs duty, plus a 2.5% social welfare surcharge. The duty is assessed based on the current market value of gold in India, regardless of the purchase price abroad.
💡Tip: Check the current customs duty rates on gold before your travel date, as they can be revised. Share on XCurrent Duty Rates (subject to change):
- Basic Customs Duty: 10%.
- Social Welfare Surcharge: 2.5%.
- Total: 10.75% on assessed value.
3. Permissible Quantities for Gold Bars and Coins
Gold bars and coins have stricter regulations compared to jewelry. You can bring up to 1 kg of gold (bars or coins), but it is subject to customs duty, and this limit applies to passengers who have stayed abroad for at least a year.
If you’re carrying more than 1 kg, customs officers can confiscate the excess, or you may face penalties. Ensure that your gold bars or coins are declared upon arrival to avoid legal complications.
💡Tip: Declare gold bars or coins at customs, as failing to do so can result in penalties and confiscation. Share on XKey Limits for Bars and Coins:
- Maximum Quantity: 1 kg per person.
- Duty: 10.75% on assessed value.
- Conditions: Must have lived abroad for over one year.
4. Declaration Requirements for Gold
If you’re bringing in gold above the duty-free limit or carrying gold bars or coins, it is mandatory to declare it at customs upon arrival in India.
The declaration process involves filling out a customs declaration form and presenting it at the Red Channel, where you will be guided through the duty payment process. Be prepared to show proof of your stay abroad and provide invoices if possible.
💡Tip: Always declare gold at customs if it exceeds the duty-free allowance, as undeclared items may lead to fines or confiscation. Share on XKey Steps for Declaration:
- Fill out a customs declaration form upon arrival.
- Head to the Red Channel for gold declaration.
- Provide proof of stay abroad and any available receipts.
5. Documentation Needed for Gold Declaration
When bringing gold into India, ensure you have documentation ready to simplify the customs process.
The following documents are usually required:
- Passport: To verify your status and length of stay abroad.
- Proof of Purchase (if available): Bills or invoices for the gold.
- Customs Declaration Form: To officially declare the gold at customs.

Having these documents ready can speed up the process and make it easier to prove the value of your gold.
💡Tip: Carry copies of all relevant documents for a smoother customs process. Share on XEssential Documents:
- Passport showing your stay details.
- Purchase invoices, if possible.
- Customs declaration form (available at the airport).
6. Penalties for Non-Declaration or Excess Gold
Failure to declare gold exceeding the duty-free allowance, or bringing more than the permissible quantity, can lead to penalties.
Non-declared gold can be confiscated, and passengers may face fines or prosecution under customs laws. Additionally, carrying more than 1 kg of gold without declaration may result in legal consequences, including confiscation of excess gold.
💡Tip: Avoid penalties by declaring all gold over the duty-free limit and sticking to permissible quantities. Share on XPenalties May Include:
- Confiscation of undeclared gold.
- Fines and legal action.
- Prosecution for excessive quantities beyond the limit.
7. Tips to Reduce Duty Costs on Gold
While customs duty on gold is unavoidable if you exceed the duty-free allowance, there are a few strategies to minimize the overall cost.
- Stick to Jewelry: Jewelry under 20 grams within the duty-free limit is exempt, so avoid bringing bars or coins unless necessary.
- Plan Purchases Wisely: Consider buying gold jewelry rather than bars, as jewelry has a duty-free allowance.
- Declare Properly: Avoid fines by ensuring all gold exceeding the limit is declared at customs.
Summary Table: Customs Duty on Gold for NRIs
Item | Duty-Free Allowance | Customs Duty on Excess | Conditions |
---|---|---|---|
Gold Jewelry | 20 grams for men (₹50,000), 20 grams for women (₹1,00,000) | 10.75% on excess | Must have lived abroad for 1+ years |
Gold Bars/Coins | None (up to 1 kg with duty) | 10.75% for up to 1 kg | Excess above 1 kg subject to confiscation |
Documentation | Passport, Proof of Purchase, Declaration Form | Required at customs for excess | Must declare all gold exceeding allowance |
How much jewelry can one bring through Indian airports?
A passenger residing abroad for more than one year, on return to India, shall be allowed clearance free of duty in his bona fide baggage of jewelry up to a weight, of twenty grams with a value cap of fifty thousand rupees if brought by a gentleman passenger, or forty grams with a value cap of one lakh rupees if brought by a lady passenger.
Source – Indian Customs Baggage Rules
What is the customs duty on imported Gold in India?
Customs import duty on Gold in India is at 12%.
India raised the import duty on gold or non-refined mined gold, to 11.85% from 9.35% and to 11% from 8.5% on silver on July 4th, 2019.
Source – Reuters
So, in summary,
- Maximum amount of Gold NRI/PIO/OCI can bring to India – 10 Kilograms. (Verified)
- Gold has to be declared and duty paid for all jewelry. (Verified)
- An eligible passenger male is allowed to bring duty-free jewelry worth up to Rs. 50,000 and female passenger up to Rs.1,00,000. (Verified)
You will have to declare the jewelry and show your documents proving eligibility, namely OCI, NRI, PIO status.
Source – Indian Customs Gold & Silver Import Rules
Conclusion
Bringing gold to India can be a smart move if you’re aware of the customs regulations and duty fees. From taking advantage of the duty-free allowance on jewelry to sticking to permissible quantities, careful planning can save you money and hassle.
💡Tip: Familiarize yourself with customs rules and have all documentation ready to ensure a smooth experience when bringing gold back to India. Share on XHave you brought gold to India before, or are you planning to do so soon?
Share your experience in the comments to help fellow NRIs navigate the customs process with ease!
We are NRIs since 21 years and recently travelled to India on holiday and my family (self, wife and daughter) were wearing 3 chains (10gms each) and 1 bracelet (20 gms), aggregate weight 50 gms, we were intercepted and the customs officer at mumbai levied a duty of Rs 80,000 stating that since we are coming within 1 year, duty at 44% is payable. We resisted but were threatened and intimated to pay. What is the recourse available to us?
I found this pdf on gov.in website and it doesn’t say that. So basically, you shouldn’t have been charged with duty. https://hcisingapore.gov.in/pdf/guide_travelers_to_india.pdf
“6. Who can bring Jewellery as baggage, free of duty?
Ans. An Indian passenger who has been residing abroad for over one year is allowed to
bring jewellery, free of duty in his bonafide baggage upto 20 grams with a value cap of
Rs.50,000/- (in case of a gentleman passenger) or up to 40 grams with a value cap of
Rs.1,00,000/- (in the case of a lady passenger).”
But the present Value of 20grms is More than Rs.50,000/-
i am in saudiarabia last 9 years working .,my vacation time i can take gold jewelry for my family 30 to 35 gram
Madam/sir am khunawala imran
My cousin he travel Zambia to India Mumbai
Custom officer said open ur bag when he open bag he find 30gm gold
After officers asked about US1000 dollar it is possible like this kind of service and he did not give him any recipe
You are saying we can carry 20 grams gold for men and 40 grams gold by women if they are staying more than one year outside of India , but value of gold for 10 grams is 67000 so for men it should be 134000 rs worth of gold and for women 268000 rs should be duty free but you are saying 50000 for men and 10000 for women , how it is possible ?
And also gold price is changing continuously so if we took any Jwellary in 20-40 gram range only and it’s duty free ranges as per your rules, but if we took that gold back in 8 years where gold price was less but because we are traveling and carrying that gold now it’s worth more ,why should we pay that if it’s only 40 grams which is duty free Range